Domestic shooting leaves Lexington man in critical condition

Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:58 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 5:05 p.m.

A Lexington man is in critical condition after being shot in the face in Randolph County.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a gunshot injury call Sunday afternoon in the area of 7161 Dogwood Circle near Thomasville. When they arrived, they found Dean Anthony Dimery, 37, with a gunshot wound to the face, said Randolph County Sheriff Maynard B. Reid Jr.

Dimery was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Reid said. The name of the hospital was not available.

Authorities believe Dimery may have been attempting to break into the home, which belonged to his girlfriend, 37-year-old Lisa Ratcliffe. Reid alleged that Ratcliffe pulled the trigger.

Investigators are consulting with the Randolph County District Attorney’s Office in reference to if, and what, charges will be filed. Reid said self-defense may be a factor in the incident.

“We’re looking at that,” Reid said. “I’m not going to say it is or it isn’t. That’s one of the things we are looking at, at this point.”

Dimery, a habitual felon, was released from prison on parole in May 2012, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Ratcliffe worked as a probation and parole officer in Davidson County from June 2001 until November 2012, when she voluntary left her job, said Keith Acree, of the department of public safety.

In April 2006, Dimery was convicted of habitual felon, first-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping and several other charges after robbing a 73-year-old man during a home invasion in Lexington.

Dimery also fled from a magistrate’s office in 2002, when he was facing misdemeanor stalking, harassing and communicating threat charges. He turned himself in a week later.

In 1999, Dimery was charged with felony escape from prison and sent to a medium security lockup facility after he escaped from a work detail in Davidson County.

<p>A Lexington man is in critical condition after being shot in the face in Randolph County.</p><p>Sheriff's deputies responded to a gunshot injury call Sunday afternoon in the area of 7161 Dogwood Circle near Thomasville. When they arrived, they found Dean Anthony Dimery, 37, with a gunshot wound to the face, said Randolph County Sheriff Maynard B. Reid Jr. </p><p>Dimery was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Reid said. The name of the hospital was not available.</p><p>Authorities believe Dimery may have been attempting to break into the home, which belonged to his girlfriend, 37-year-old Lisa Ratcliffe. Reid alleged that Ratcliffe pulled the trigger.</p><p>Investigators are consulting with the Randolph County District Attorney's Office in reference to if, and what, charges will be filed. Reid said self-defense may be a factor in the incident.</p><p>“We're looking at that,” Reid said. “I'm not going to say it is or it isn't. That's one of the things we are looking at, at this point.”</p><p>Dimery, a habitual felon, was released from prison on parole in May 2012, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.</p><p>Ratcliffe worked as a probation and parole officer in Davidson County from June 2001 until November 2012, when she voluntary left her job, said Keith Acree, of the department of public safety.</p><p>In April 2006, Dimery was convicted of habitual felon, first-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping and several other charges after robbing a 73-year-old man during a home invasion in Lexington.</p><p>Dimery also fled from a magistrate's office in 2002, when he was facing misdemeanor stalking, harassing and communicating threat charges. He turned himself in a week later.</p><p>In 1999, Dimery was charged with felony escape from prison and sent to a medium security lockup facility after he escaped from a work detail in Davidson County.</p>